DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS SUGGESTIONS/VIEWS ON THE NUCLEAR SAFETY REGULATORY

AUTHORITY BILL, 2011 **** The Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority Bill, 2011 as introduced and pending in Lok Sabha has been referred to the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests, headed by Dr. T. Subbarami Reddy, M.P., Rajya Sabha for examination and report. 2. While the Government of India intends to promote nuclear energy to meet shortfall in total energy requirement of the country, the Fukushima incident in Japan has led to worldwide concerns and apprehensions on safety issues relating to nuclear power. Although our country has excellent record in nuclear safety, such excellent safety record requires to be sustained for further growth in nuclear energy sector. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board-the present regulatory body was constituted in 1983 by a notification issued under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. However, to further strengthen radiation and nuclear safety in the country, it is felt expedient to establish a legal framework. The object of the proposed legislation is to establish an Authority and such other regulatory bodies for regulation of nuclear safety and achieving highest standards of such safety based on scientific approach, operating experience and best practices followed by nuclear industry and to ensure that the use of atomic energy in all its applications is safe for the health of radiation workers, members of the public and the environment. 3. The Committee has decided to invite Memoranda containing views/suggestions from individuals/organizations interested in the subject matter of the bill.

4. Those desirous of submitting Memoranda to the Committee may send their written Memoranda either in English or Hindi to Shri Alok Chatterjee, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Room No. 005, Ground Floor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi110001. [Tel. No. 011-23034597, Fax No. 011-23015585) Email:rsc-st@sansad.nic.in} within thirty days from the date of publication of this advertisement. Those who are willing to appear before the Committee for oral evidence besides submitting the Memoranda may indicate so. However, the committee's decision in this regard shall be final. The Memoranda submitted to the Committee would form part of the records of the Committee and would be treated as confidential and would enjoy privileges of the Committee. The Committee will have full right on Memoranda received. It may or may not use those Memoranda while preparing the report. 5. The Bill has been published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary Part II dated the 7th September, 2011. Copies of the Bill can be had on written request to the above mentioned officer or can be downloaded from the official website of the Rajya Saba (http://rajyasabha.nic.in ) under the caption "Bills with the Committees". Website-http://rajyasabha.nic.in E-mail: rsc-st@sansad.nic.in